Plant-based Brunch at Planta South Beach

Brunch just got a lot healthier. In addition to the many “all you can eat” brunch buffets in Miami, new hip spot, Planta in the South of Fifth neighborhood now offers a Saturday and Sunday plant-based a la carte brunch that includes creative versions of traditional brunch favorites in addition to favorite items on the regular Planta menu.

Planta, the popular Toronto based restaurant brought to Miami by entrepreneur and club impresario, David Grutman, opened a little over a month ago and has quickly become the go-to spot in Miami for fresh, vegan food with a hip vibe. Late night, the two bars are packed with stylishly dressed patrons sipping cocktails and mingling.

Brunch at Planta is a very different scene. Bright, casual and more laid back, with sunlight shining through the skylights. A couple families with children were at adjacent tables.

New to the menu are the Brunch Plates, which include a hearty Tofu Scramble with zucchini cream, charred tomatoes, a bright Avocado toast topped with pickles and edible flowers, Banana Pancakes, Hearts of Palm “Crab Cakes” Benedict and our choice of Falafel Tacos, Banana Bread with cinnamon cashew butter, and berry compote and Planta’s Land Lox, a very creative take on the Smoked Salmon platter.

The Falafel Tacos came as a set of three, each with two falafel balls and topped with shredded lettuce and tahini.

The Banana Bread was sweet with hints of banana and chocolate chips and we asked for a side of warm maple syrup which when dribbled on tasted like French Toast.

The Land Lox Platter, offered smoked carrots instead of smoked salmon, a cashew cream cheese, capers, pickles, fresh dill and crusty Sullivan Street Bakery sesame seed bread. A fan of Nova and Cream Cheese, this was surprisingly very good and satisfying. Of course, a sesame seed bagel would be a nice addition. When Chef de Cuisine, Benjamin Goldman, stopped by our table we both laughed that this dish could pass muster at any "break-fast".

The menu also includes a couple salads, some nice sides and Planta’s Signature pizzas.

Once again, we opted for the “Meat Lovers” Pizza, which features smoked faro and mushroom in place of meat, cashew mozzarella, and fresh garlic cloves and made for a delicious pizza even your favorite carnivore will love. But other pizza options include the Frenchie with mushrooms, squash, arugula and truffle vinaigrette, the 6IX, with roasted rosemary potatoes, kales, olives, capers, red onion and habanero, and a classic Margherita, with tomato, basil and cashew mozzarella.

Brunch also features cocktails like a Rooftop Bloody Mary and Kombucha Mojito, Cold-Pressed juices like Beet-le Juice with beets, pineapple, apple and ginger and Picante Punch with carrot, orange, lime and a kick of cayenne.

And Bottomless Cold-Pressed Margaritas.

Skip the “all you can eat” omelet bar, carving stations and dessert table and head to Planta for a healthier brunch.